The day dawned bright which was oh! such a relief given all the forecasts of Arctic cold and treacherous conditions that had been so prevalent in the week beforehand.

As ever, exclamations of surprise and delight greeted each car as it arrived, kent faces and some not so kent faces, but all equally welcome. We were even joined by June, on her way to find the contents of her new kitchen extension, who had simply popped by to say hello. What was also good to see was the strong showing from the northern contingent ? Bill and Linda winning the (virtual) trophy for the furthest traveled 5 to join the run.

Given the dire prophesies of bad weather and our reputation for safe year-round motoring, Richard had chosen a route with the lowest risk ? Stirling to Kildean to Callendar, then Strathyre to Lochearnhead to Killin and then a delightful run along the full length of Loch Tay with the sun, on our right shoulder, to lighten up our way.

A stop at Kenmore, at the eastern end of Loch Tay, then followed ? an opportunity to stretch legs ? to pick our way through a veritable Forrest of driftwood that had collected at the loch side around the car park ? and to discuss the semaphore like properties of Gavin?s ears as we blazed our way in the weak winter sun.

?Gavin?s Ears?? I hear you ask?. Gavin?s penchant for the most incongruous of motoring headgears reached new heights as he appeared resplendent in his elephantine impersonation ? the only downside that I could think of was how he could ever do better in the future ? I await with baited breath!

Our run then continued to Crieff and our lunch stop at the Glen Turret Distillery. This venue famous for the quality of its? Haggis ? something they put on the menu for us today by special request. A further surprise there awaited us, Colin and Sandra (previously of our parish) had come down from Aberdeen to join us for lunch. Their efforts were rewarded with one of our three raffle prizes!!?!

After lunch ? good of the contractors to finish laying the car park while we were eating ? saw a reduced contingent head south via Comrie, Braco and Dunblane. A fun time was enjoyed by all and thanks are due to Richard & Eileen, for planning and leading the run, and to Douglas for the raffle and catering arrangements.
Mino